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UK public accountancy is new standard for Kosovo

Over 50 internal auditors working for the government of Kosovo started their qualification, last week, a course certified by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA). Working closely with the Kosovan Ministry of Economy and Finance, CIPFA and partners have developed an intensive, modular programme designed to improve the skills of civil servants from Government departments throughout the country.

Speaking at the project launch in the Kosovan capital, Pristina, the Minister, Ahmet Shala, praised the way in which the partners had worked together to develop the skills of local staff, highlighting the importance of a strong audit regime for Kosovo. Giles Orr, Head of CIPFA’s Education and Training Centre, highlighted the traditions of CIPFA in upholding strong public service financial probity, and outlined the demands that studying for this qualification would make.

The Training in Audit for the Public Services (TIAPS) programme is part of a wider, EU-supported project to strengthen the Government of Kosovo’s financial management. As part of a consortium including TribalHelm and the Centre for Excellence in Finance, CIPFA is providing specialist advice and guidance as well as formal certification for trainees.

The training programme itself is unique, in that the lessons are delivered in English, with simultaneous translation into both Albanian and Serbian (the two official languages of Kosovo). Learning materials and workbooks have also been translated into both languages.

Adrian Pulham, CIPFA’s Director of Education and Training, said:
‘This project is representative of the work CIPFA does internationally. We are constantly seeking to support public services across the world to ensure that the highest standards in financial management are fully embedded.’

ENDS

Contact: Guy Roberts/ Lindsay Machin / Chloe Forbes
CIPFA Press Office
t 020 7543 5712/5645/5787
e guy.roberts@cipfa.org.uk / lindsay.machin@cipfa.org.uk / chloe.forbes@cipfa.org.uk

Notes to Editors:

1. CIPFA is part of a consortium led by TribalHelm to manage a project to capacity build financial skills for the Government of Kosovo. The project is funded by the EU, and locally managed by the European Commission Liaison Office (ECLO). The project, whilst based in the Ministry of Economy and Finance, cuts across all public service organisations in Kosovo.
The first cohort of 50 students are expected to complete their qualification by June 2011. In total, it is anticipated that over 150 internal auditors will be trained. CIPFA is currently developing a programme for external audit training in Kosovo.
2. Kosovo is evolving into a new nation and as such has an acute need for financial management skills in internal audit and accounting for the public. CIPFA sees internal audit as an integral part of a holistic public financial management system that can deliver better value for money and better public service.

CIPFA is or has been recently involved in a number of other countries in the region, notably Slovenia and Serbia, supporting similar initiatives. In Africa is has piloted professionalisation programmes in Lesotho, Tanzania and South Africa and has several other opportunities planned elsewhere. CIPFA encourages sustainable professional training that provides an enduring legacy rather than limited short term efforts that are soon dissipated.

About CIPFA

CIPFA, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, is the professional body for people in public finance. Our 14,000 members work throughout the public services, in national audit agencies, in major accountancy firms, and in other bodies where public money needs to be effectively and efficiently managed. As the world’s only professional accountancy body to specialise in public services, CIPFA’s portfolio of qualifications are the foundation for a career in public finance. They include the benchmark professional qualification for public sector accountants as well as a postgraduate diploma for people already working in leadership positions. They are taught by our in-house CIPFA Education and Training Centre as well as other places of learning around the world. We also champion high performance in public services, translating our experience and insight into clear advice and practical services. They include information and guidance, courses and conferences, property and asset management solutions, consultancy and interim people for a range of public sector clients. Globally, CIPFA shows the way in public finance by standing up for sound public financial management and good governance. We work with donors, partner governments, accountancy bodies and the public sector around the world to advance public finance and support better public services.

Photograph attached: Official Launch, Pristina, 24th May 2010

R-L: Ana Frangez (CEF), Giles Orr (CIPFA), Angeliki Votsoglou (ECLO), Ahmet Shala (Minister of Economy and Finance), xx (Central Harmonisation Unit – Internal Audit), Wayne Bartlett (Tribal Helm)